Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Rapid CA Class III

Dead Cow

Kaweah - North Fork Bridge to Lake Kaweah (CA)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
EF Kaweah River near Three Rivers CA Upstream Primary
Runnable: ? – ? CFS

Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
CDEC Flow Data California
TERMINUS DAM TRM Primary Dam Release
Elevation: 752 ft
Data from California Data Exchange Center (CDEC)
Photo
Dead Cow
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
Dead Cow rapid features a technical boulder-strewn entrance with multiple narrow passages that require precise boat positioning and quick maneuvering. The main line runs along the right side of the channel, where paddlers must navigate a series of diagonal hydraulics and dodge exposed mid-stream rocks while maintaining momentum through the turbulent water. At higher flows, the rapid can develop more aggressive holes and increased water complexity, demanding advanced reading and route-finding skills.
Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class III
Mile Marker
1.9 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
North Fork Bridge to Lake Kaweah
Kaweah
III-IV 3.8 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater